Pepsico South Africa, owner of breakfast cereal and energy bar manufacturer FutureLife, has invested R75 million in a new plant at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone in KwaZulu-Natal.
MEC for Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, speaking at the opening of the plant on Thursday, said the location of the business in the special economic zone would create jobs, ensure operational efficiencies and reduce logistics costs.
“Ahead of Covid-19 lockdown, about 315 000 people were employed in manufacturing, representing just 12% of total formal and informal employment,” Duma said.
The opening of the new food production plant formed an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy to stimulate manufacturing to increase employment, he added.
“We thank PepsiCo for their investment in the food and beverage manufacturing business here in KwaZulu-Natal. Every day we read discouraging statistics about job losses, fuel price hikes and other economic challenges. More than anything else about today is the good news about job creation,” Duma said.
A total of 196 jobs have been created so far, with this number expected to grow to 230 by 2024.
“FutureLife procures 88% of its raw materials locally. These include maize, soya, sugar, rice, and bran. In addition, all product packaging is procured locally,” he said.
Duma added that job opportunities had also been created for emerging entrepreneurs such as the youth and women in the 18 mini factories located at Dube TradePort.
“We have entrepreneurs operating in various sectors such as food and beverage, medical equipment, and electronics,” he said.
